Reading Photographs: An Introduction the Theory and Meaning of Images

Having held the posts of course leader on both the Visual Arts and History of Art and Visual Culture courses at the University of Gloucestershire, Richard Salkeld is now senior lecturer in the university's Art and Design department, teaching undergraduate students of photography. Author affiliation details are correct at time of print publication.

Reading Photographs, 2nd ed is a refreshingly clear introduction to the key theories of representation and visual analysis and demonstrates how they can be applied to photography. Introducing the many different approaches to critical theory for photography, Richard Salkeld explores identity, gaze, psychoanalysis, voyeurism and aesthetics.

As with all the books in the Basics Creative Photography series, Reading Photographs uses striking visual examples to illustrate the text and detailed case studies to delve deeper into the theories and techniques raised within each chapter. In addition, each chapter includes box outs introducing influential photographers, theorists and critics as well as activities to help you apply relevant theories to your own practice.

New to this edition: Exploration of the impact of digital and mobile photography and social media platforms on the interpretation of photographic images. Additional coverage of postmodernism and how it can inform photographic practice and the interpretation of visual imagery, as well as how feminist, post-structuralist and Marxist theories can offer alternative ways of analyzing and understanding photographs.